Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power

ABSTRACT

A biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging a biopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to International Application No.PCT/US2009/040663, filed Apr. 15, 2009, and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/551,819 filed Sep. 1, 2009.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

None.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN PATENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a biopsy apparatus, and, moreparticularly, to a biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit forconserving battery power.

2. Description of the Related Art

A biopsy may be performed on a patient to help in determining whetherthe cells in a biopsied region are cancerous. One type of vacuumassisted biopsy apparatus includes a hand-held driver assembly having avacuum source, and a disposable biopsy probe assembly configured forreleasable attachment to the driver assembly. One biopsy technique usedto evaluate breast tissue, for example, involves inserting a biopsyprobe into the breast tissue region of interest to capture one or moretissue samples from the region.

The biopsy probe typically includes a biopsy cannula, e.g., a needle,having a cylindrical side wall defining a lumen, and having a sidesample notch located near the distal end that extends though the sidewall to the lumen. A cutting cannula is positioned coaxial with thebiopsy cannula to selectively open and close the sample notch. Vacuum isapplied to the lumen, and in turn to the sample notch, for receiving thetissue to be sampled when the sample notch is opened, after which thesample notch is closed by the cutting cannula to sever the tissue, andthe severed tissue is transported by vacuum out of the lumen andcollected.

One such hand-held driver assembly is battery powered. The hand-helddriver assembly is turned on at the beginning of a procedure, andremains on for the duration of the procedure and/or until a userintervenes to turn off the hand-held driver assembly. Since such ahand-held driver assembly may be used in prolonged sessions, it isimportant for the power consumption to be held to a minimum to prolongbattery life and prevent malfunctions due to lack of battery power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a biopsy driver assembly having a controlcircuit for conserving battery power. The biopsy driver assembly isconfigured to mount a biopsy probe assembly.

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” preceding an elementname, e.g., first electrical drive, second electrical drive, etc., arefor identification purposes to distinguish between different elementshaving similar characteristic, and are not intended to necessarily implyorder, unless otherwise specified, nor are the terms “first”, “second”,etc., intended to preclude the inclusion of additional similar elements.

The invention, in one form thereof, is directed to a biopsy driverassembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driverassembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly iscoupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includesat least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging thebiopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driverhousing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. Thecontrol circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to theelectrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timercircuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configuredto conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motiondetector after a predetermined time following a last detected physicalmovement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical powerfrom the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physicalmovement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a biopsyapparatus. The biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe assembly and abiopsy driver assembly. The biopsy probe assembly has a sample basketarranged coaxially with a cutter cannula relative to a longitudinalaxis. The biopsy probe assembly has a first driven unit coupled to thecutter cannula to facilitate movement of the cutter cannula relative tothe longitudinal axis, and has a second driven unit coupled to thesample basket to facilitate movement of the sample basket relative tothe longitudinal axis. The biopsy driver assembly is configured to mountthe biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsydriver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driverhousing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical driveconfigured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly. A battery iscoupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled tothe biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupledto the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has amotion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. Thecontrol circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providingelectrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined timefollowing a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driverassembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to theelectrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driverassembly is detected.

The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a biopsy driverassembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driverassembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly iscoupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includesat least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging thebiopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driverhousing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. Thecontrol circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to theelectrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timercircuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configuredto conserve the battery by turning off electrical power to theelectrical assembly and to the timer circuit after a predetermined timefollowing a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driverassembly while maintaining electrical power to the motion detector, andconfigured to provide electrical power from the battery to the motiondetector, the timer, and the electrical assembly when a physicalmovement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a biopsy driverassembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driverassembly includes a biopsy driver housing, and an electrical assemblycoupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includesat least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging thebiopsy probe assembly. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driverhousing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the electricalassembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit anda power dwell circuit. The power dwell circuit has a power outputelectrically connected to the electrical assembly. Each of the motiondetector and the timer circuit is electrically connected to receiveelectrical power from the power dwell circuit. The motion detector iscommunicatively coupled to the timer circuit and to the dwell circuit.The motion detector is configured to provide a first signal to the powerdwell circuit to cause the power dwell circuit to enter an operativemode wherein electrical power is supplied to the electrical assemblywhen the physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected,and the motion detector is configured to provide a second signal to thetimer circuit that indicates the last detected physical movement of thebiopsy driver assembly. The timer circuit is communicatively coupled tothe power dwell circuit. The timer circuit is configured to provide athird signal to the power dwell circuit to cause the power dwell circuitto enter a power dwell mode wherein electrical power is supplied to themotion detector to the exclusion of the timer circuit and the electricalassembly. The third signal is supplied to the power dwell circuit afterthe predetermined time following the last detected physical movement ofthe biopsy driver assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biopsy apparatus, configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with adisposable biopsy probe mounted to a biopsy driver assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a biopsy apparatus of FIG. 1, with thedisposable biopsy probe detached from the driver assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the biopsy apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a vacuum seal element of the vacuumpath of the driver assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a vacuum seal element of the vacuumpath of the disposable biopsy probe of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the fluid management tank of thedisposable biopsy probe shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with a portion brokenaway to expose a filter arrangement;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of a plurality of fluid absorption layers ofthe filter arrangement of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a porous filter element of the filterarrangement of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the disposable biopsy probe of FIG. 2 showingin further detail a tissue sample retrieval mechanism with the samplecollection tank removed;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the disposable biopsy probe of FIG. 6 showingthe tissue sample retrieval mechanism with the sample collection tankinstalled, and with the sample collection tank in the raised position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the disposable biopsy probe of FIG. 6 showingthe tissue sample retrieval mechanism with the sample collection tankinstalled, and with the sample collection tank in the lowered collectionposition;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the tissue sample retrievalmechanism of FIG. 8 with a portion of the cutter cannula sectioned awayto expose the retracting sample basket, and with a portion of the samplebasket broken way to show the interaction of the tissue sample scoop ofthe sample collection tank with the sample notch;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of the sample collection tank of FIG.9 showing the interaction of the rim of the sample collection tank withthe sample basket shown in section along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the tank positioning mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the sample basket and the lift member of thedisposable biopsy probe of FIG. 7, with a portion of lift member brokenaway to expose a T-shaped stop, and a leaf spring tongue forming aportion of the T-shaped stop for removing residual tissue material anddebris from a vacuum path at the sample notch of the sample basket;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the disposable biopsy probe of FIG. 7 showingthe latch member of the tank positioning mechanism in the latchedtransport position;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a circuit for conserving battery power inthe biopsy driver assembly of FIGS. 1; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process for conserving battery power inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,there is shown a biopsy apparatus 10 which generally includes anon-invasive, e.g., non-disposable, biopsy driver assembly 12 and adisposable biopsy probe assembly 14.

Referring also to FIG. 3, driver assembly 12 and disposable biopsy probeassembly 14 collectively include a fluid management system 16 thatincludes a vacuum source 18, first vacuum path 20 and a second vacuumpath 22. Vacuum source 18 and a first vacuum path 20 are permanentlyassociated with driver assembly 12, and a second vacuum path 22 ispermanently associated with disposable biopsy probe assembly 14, as morefully described below, to help facilitate the safe and effectivecollection of a biopsy tissue sample.

As used herein, the term “non-disposable” is used to refer to a devicethat is intended for use on multiple patients during the lifetime of thedevice, and the term “disposable” is used to refer to a device that isintended to be disposed of after use on a single patient. Also, the term“vacuum path” means a fluid passageway used to facilitate a vacuumbetween two points, the fluid passageway passing through one or morecomponents, such as for example, one or more of tubing, conduits,couplers, and interposed devices. Also, the term “permanentlyassociated” means a connection that is not intended for releasableattachment on a routine basis during the lifetime of the components.Thus, for example, driver assembly 12 including vacuum source 18 andfirst vacuum path 20 is reusable as a unit in its entirety, whereasdisposable biopsy probe assembly 14 and second vacuum path 22 aredisposable as a unit in its entirety.

Driver assembly 12 includes a housing 24 configured, and ergonomicallydesigned, to be grasped by a user, and to which the electrical andmechanical components of driver assembly 12 are coupled, i.e., mounted.Driver assembly 12 includes (contained within housing 24) vacuum source18, first vacuum path 20, a controller 26, an electromechanical powersource 28, and a vacuum monitoring mechanism 30. A user interface 32 islocated to be mounted to, and externally accessible with respect to,housing 24. Housing 24 defines an elongate cavity 241 which isconfigured for receiving a corresponding housing 57 of biopsy probeassembly 14 when driver assembly 12 is mounted to biopsy probe assembly14.

Controller 26 is communicatively coupled to electromechanical powersource 28, vacuum source 18, user interface 32, and vacuum monitoringmechanism 30. Controller 26 may include, for example, a microprocessorand associated memory for executing program instructions to performfunctions associated with the retrieval of biopsy tissue samples, suchas controlling one or more components of vacuum source 18 andelectromechanical power source 28. Controller 26 also may executeprogram instructions to monitor one or more conditions and/or positionsof components of biopsy apparatus 10, and to monitor the status of fluidmanagement system 16 associated with driver assembly 12 and biopsy probeassembly 14.

The user interface 32 includes control buttons 321 and visual indicators322, with control buttons 321 providing user control over variousfunctions of biopsy apparatus 10, and visual indicators 322 providingvisual feedback of the status of one or more conditions and/or positionsof components of biopsy apparatus 10.

The electromechanical power source 28 may include, for example, anelectrical energy source, e.g., battery, 34 and an electrical driveassembly 36. Battery 34 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery.Battery 34 provides electrical power to all electrically poweredcomponents in biopsy apparatus 10, and thus for simplicity in thedrawings, such electrical couplings are not shown. For example, battery34 is electrically coupled to vacuum source 18, controller 26, userinterface 32 and electrical drive assembly 36.

In the present embodiment, electrical drive assembly 36 includes a firstdrive 361 and a second drive 362, each being respectively coupled tobattery 34, and each of first drive 361 and second drive 362respectively electrically and controllably coupled to user interface 32.

First drive 361 may include an electrical motor 381 and a motiontransfer unit 401 (shown schematically by a line). Second drive 362 mayinclude an electrical motor 382 and a motion transfer unit 402 (shownschematically by a line). Each electrical motor 381, 382 may be, forexample, a direct current (DC) motor, stepper motor, etc. Motiontransfer unit 401 of first drive 361 may be configured, for example,with a rotational-to-linear motion converter, such as a worm geararrangement, rack and pinion arrangement, solenoid-slide arrangement,etc. Motion transfer unit 402 of second drive 362 may be configured totransmit rotary motion. Each of first drive 361 and second drive 362 mayinclude one or more of a gear, gear train, belt/pulley arrangement, etc.

Vacuum source 18 is electrically coupled to battery 34, and has a vacuumsource port 181 for establishing a vacuum. Vacuum source 18 iselectrically and controllably coupled to user interface 32. Vacuumsource 18 may further include, for example, a vacuum pump 182 driven byan electric motor 183. Vacuum pump 182 may be, for example, aperistaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, syringe-type pump, etc.

First vacuum path 20 of driver assembly 12 is permanently associatedwith vacuum source 18. First vacuum path 20, also sometimes referred toas a non-disposable vacuum path, has a proximal end 201 and a distal end202, and includes, for example, conduits 203, a first one-way valve 204,and a particulate filter 205. Proximal end 201 is fixedly coupled tovacuum source 18 in fluid communication therewith, e.g., is fixedlyconnected to vacuum source port 181 of vacuum source 18. Referring alsoto FIG. 4A, distal end 202 includes a first vacuum seal element 206. Inthe present embodiment, first vacuum seal element 206 is a planarabutment surface that surrounds a first passageway 207 of first vacuumpath 20.

First one-way valve 204 is configured and arranged to permit a negativepressure fluid flow toward vacuum source 18 and to prevent a positivepressure fluid flow away from vacuum source 18 toward the distal end 202of first vacuum path 20. The first one-way valve 204 may be, forexample, a check-valve, such as a ball valve or reed valve, that openswith a fluid flow toward vacuum source 18, and closes in the case of areverse (positive) flow away from vacuum source 18.

In the present embodiment, particulate filter 205 is located betweenvacuum source 18 and distal end 202 of first vacuum path 20. Particulatefilter 205 may be, for example, a mesh screen formed from metal orplastic. However, it is contemplated that particulate filter 205 may belocated in fluid management system 16 between vacuum source 18 and avacuum receiving component of biopsy probe assembly 14.

The vacuum monitoring mechanism 30 is coupled to vacuum source 18 toshut off vacuum source 18 when a sensed vacuum level has fallen below athreshold level. Vacuum monitoring mechanism 30 may include, forexample, a vacuum monitor and control program executing on controller26, and a pressure sensor 301 coupled to controller 26, and in fluidcommunication with first vacuum path 20 for detecting a pressure infirst vacuum path 20. If, for example, the vacuum flow level in firstvacuum path 20 falls below a predetermined level, indicating arestriction in fluid management system 16, controller 26 may respond byshutting off vacuum source 18, e.g., turning off electric motor 183.Alternatively, controller 26 may monitor the current supplied toelectric motor 183, and if the current exceeds a predetermined amount,indicating a restriction in fluid management system 16, controller 26may respond by shutting off vacuum source 18, e.g., turning off electricmotor 183.

The disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 is configured for releasableattachment to driver assembly 12. As used herein, the term “releasableattachment” means a configuration that facilitates an intended temporaryconnection followed by selective detachment involving a manipulation ofdisposable biopsy probe assembly 14 relative to driver assembly 12,without the need for tools.

The disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 includes a cover 141, whichessentially serves as a frame, to which a transmission device 42, abiopsy probe 44, housing 57 and the second vacuum path 22 are mounted,with housing 57 being slidably coupled to cover 141. The slidingcoupling of housing 57 to cover 141 may be achieved, for example, by arail and U-bracket configuration. Cover 141 serves as a slidable coverto close elongate cavity 241 in housing 24 of driver assembly 12 toprotect the internal structure of driver assembly 12 when biopsy probeassembly 14 is mounted to driver assembly 12. Biopsy probe 44 isdrivably coupled to transmission device 42, and transmission device 42is drivably coupled to electromechanical power source 28 of driverassembly 12 when biopsy probe assembly 14 is mounted to driver assembly12.

In the embodiment shown, transmission device 42 includes a first drivenunit 421 and a second driven unit 422 that are drivably engaged withvarious components of biopsy probe 44. Also, first driven unit 421 isdrivably engaged with first drive 361 of electrical drive assembly 36 ofdriver assembly 12. Second driven unit 422 is drivably engaged withsecond drive 362 of electrical drive assembly 36 of driver assembly 12.First driven unit 421 is slidably coupled to housing 57, and seconddriven unit 422 is contained in housing 57. The sliding coupling offirst driven unit 421 (e.g., a sliding member) may be achieved, forexample, by placing first driven unit 421 in a longitudinal slidechannel formed in housing 57.

In the embodiment shown (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3), biopsy probe 44 includesa sample basket 441 and a cutter cannula 442. Sample basket 441 has asharpened tip 443 to aid in puncturing tissue and has a sample notch 444in the form of a recessed region for receiving a biopsy tissue sample.Sample basket 441 and a cutter cannula 442 are configured to beindividually movable along a longitudinal axis 445.

In operation, cutter cannula 442 is linearly driven by first driven unit421 to traverse over sample notch 444 of sample basket 441 alonglongitudinal axis 445. For example, first driven unit 421 may be in theform of a linear slide that is drivably engaged with first drive 361 ofdriver assembly 12, which in turn drives cutter cannula 442 alonglongitudinal axis 445 in a first direction 46, i.e., toward a proximalend of driver assembly 12, to expose sample notch 444 of sample basket441, and drives cutter cannula 442 in a second direction 48 opposite tofirst direction 46 to sever tissue prolapsed into sample notch 444.Also, first driven unit 421 and second driven unit 422 may be configuredto operate in unison to advance both sample basket 441 and cuttercannula 442 in unison along an longitudinal axis 445 in a piercing shotoperation to aid in inserting biopsy probe 44 into fibrous tissue.

The second driven unit 422 may include a flexible toothed rack 50 and agear train 52. Flexible toothed rack 50 is connected to sample basket441, and gear train 52 is engaged with the teeth of flexible toothedrack 50. In operation, second drive 362 transfers rotary motion to geartrain 52, and in turn gear train 52 engages flexible toothed rack 50 tomove sample basket 441 linearly to transport the tissue captured insample notch 444 out of the body of the patient. Flexible toothed rack50 is received in a coiling unit 54 when retracting, thereby enablingsubstantial reduction in the overall device length of biopsy apparatus10 as compared to a rigid capture system. Each harvested tissue sampleis transported out of the body of the patient and is collected by tissuesample retrieval mechanism 56, which scoops the tissue sample out ofsample notch 444.

In the present embodiment, coiling unit 54 and tissue sample retrievalmechanism 56 are as an integral unit with housing 57 that is common tocoiling unit 54 and tissue sample retrieval mechanism 56. Housing 57 isattached, e.g., slidably coupled, to cover 141, and contains gear train52 with at least a portion of flexible toothed rack 50 in engagementwith gear train 52. Tissue sample retrieval mechanism 56 will bedescribed in greater detail later. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 5Aand 6-8, housing 57 has a distinct shape S1 as a combination of curvedand flat surfaces with an overall height H1, length L1, and width W1dimensions which in combination define a unique profile of housing 57.

In the present embodiment, the second vacuum path 22, also sometimesreferred to as a disposable vacuum path 22, has a first end 221 and asecond end 222, and includes for example, conduits 223, a second one-wayvalve 224, and a fluid management tank 225. The first end 221 isconfigured for removable attachment to the distal end 202 of the firstvacuum path 20 of driver assembly 12. The second end 222 is coupled influid communication with sample basket 441, and more particularly, iscoupled in fluid communication with sample notch 444 of sample basket441.

Referring also to FIG. 4B, the first end 221 of the disposable vacuumpath 22 includes a second vacuum seal element 226. The first vacuum sealelement 206 of the driver assembly 12 contacts the second vacuum sealelement 226 of the disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 in sealingengagement when the disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 is attached todriver assembly 12. The second vacuum seal element 226 is a compliant,e.g., rubber, annular member that surrounds a second passageway 227 ofthe second vacuum path 22.

The second one-way valve 224 configured and arranged to permit thenegative pressure fluid flow from sample basket 441 toward the first end221 of the second vacuum path 22, and to redundantly (in conjunctionwith first one-way valve 204 of driver assembly 12) prevent any positivepressure fluid flow in a direction from the first end 221 of the secondvacuum path 22 toward sample basket 441. In other words, the secondone-way valve 224 provides a redundant second level of protection inpreventing any positive pressure from reaching sample notch 444 ofsample basket 441. In the present embodiment, the second one-way valve224 may be, for example, a duckbill valve, e.g., a reed-type valve, thatopens with a fluid flow out the bill portion of the duckbill valve, andcloses with a reverse flow. As shown, the second one-way valve 224 maybe positioned within the second vacuum seal element 226 at first end 221of second vacuum path 22.

Referring also to FIG. 5A, fluid management tank 225 is fluidicallyinterposed in the second vacuum path 22 between the first end 221 andthe second end 222. Fluid management tank 225 includes a body 58 and afilter arrangement 60 contained within body 58 configured to prevent aflow of residual biopsy biological material, e.g., blood and particulatematter, from sample notch 444 of sample basket 441 to vacuum source 18of driver assembly 12.

Body 58 of fluid management tank 225 has a first port 581 and a secondport 582, with the second vacuum path 22 continuing between the firstport 581 and the second port 582. The second port 582 of fluidmanagement tank 225 is coupled to sample basket 441. Each of the secondone-way valve 224 and the second vacuum seal element 226 of the secondvacuum path 22 is coupled to the first port 581 of fluid management tank225, and in the present embodiment, is mounted to an external surface ofbody 58 of fluid management tank 225.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, filter arrangement 60 includes aplurality of fluid absorption layers 62, individually identified aslayers 621, 622, 623 and 624, arranged side by side, with each fluidabsorption layer 621, 622, 623 and 624 being spaced apart from anadjacent fluid absorption layer e.g., 621 to 622, 622 to 623, 623, to624. Each fluid absorption layer 621, 622, 623 and 624 has a respectivethrough opening 641, 642, 643, 644, wherein adjacent through openings ofthrough openings 641, 642, 643, 644 of the plurality of fluid absorptionlayers 62 are offset one to the next, e.g., in at least one of an X, Y,and Z direction, to form a tortuous open fluid passageway 66 through theplurality of fluid absorption layers 62. Each fluid absorption layer621, 622, 623 and 624 may be, for example, a blotting paper.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5C, filter arrangement 60 may furtherinclude a porous filter element 68 arranged to be fluidically in serieswith the plurality of fluid absorption layers 62 along the second vacuumpath 22 that defines second passageway 227. The porous filter element 68exhibits increased restriction to fluid flow as an increased number ofpores 70 in the porous filter element 68 become clogged by residualbiopsy biological material, such as blood and tissue particles. When avolume of the fluid flow through fluid management tank 225 has beenreduced to a predetermined level, vacuum monitoring mechanism 30 sensesthe vacuum restriction, and controller 26 responds to shut off vacuumsource 18.

Referring to FIGS. 6-13, each harvested tissue sample is transported outof the body of the patient and is collected by tissue sample retrievalmechanism 56. In general, tissue sample retrieval mechanism 56 collectstissue samples that have been harvested by scooping the tissue sampleout of sample notch 444 of sample basket 441 of biopsy probe 44.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, biopsy probe 44 of biopsy probe assembly 14includes a biopsy cannula, e.g., cutter cannula 442, and sample basket441 arranged coaxially about longitudinal axis 445. Sample basket 441having sample notch 444 is movably disposed relative to biopsy (cutter)cannula 442 along longitudinal axis 445 from a tissue harvestingposition 72, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, to a tissue sample retrievalregion 74, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 by electromechanical power source28 and second drive 362, as more fully described above with respect toFIG. 3. Referring also to FIGS. 10 and 12, sample notch 444 is anelongate recessed region of sample basket 441 having a generallysemicircular cross-section, and has a recessed floor 76, a pair ofspaced elongate edges 78, 80 on opposite sides of recessed floor 76, aleading transition bevel 82, and a trailing transition bevel 84. Leadingtransition bevel 82 and trailing transition bevel 84 are located atopposite ends of the elongate recessed region, i.e., sample notch, 444.

In the present embodiment, tissue sample retrieval mechanism 56 includesa sample tank receptacle 86, a sample collection tank 88, a togglemechanism 90, and a tank positioning mechanism 92. Sample collectiontank 88 is configured for removable insertion into sample tankreceptacle 86.

Sample tank receptacle 86, which may be formed integral with housing 57,includes a hollow guide 87 size to slidably receive sample collectiontank 88. Thus, the configuration of sample tank receptacle 86 is suchthat sample tank receptacle 86 permits bi-directional movement of samplecollection tank 88 in directions 89 (signified by double headed arrow)that are substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis 445. Also, theconfiguration of sample tank receptacle 86 is such that sample tankreceptacle 86 prohibits movement of sample collection tank 88 in adirection 46 or 48 along longitudinal axis 445.

Sample collection tank 88 defines a single collection cavity 94 (seeFIG. 9) configured for receiving multiple tissue samples, such as tissuesample TS. Sample collection tank 88 has, in forming collection cavity94, a base 96, a front wall 98, a rear wall 100, a pair of side walls102, 104, and a removable cap 106. Sample collection tank 88 furtherincludes a tissue sample scoop 108. Sample collection tank 88 isconfigured to collect a tissue sample directly from sample notch 444 assample basket 441 moves along longitudinal axis 445 at tissue sampleretrieval region 74. In this regard, tissue sample scoop 108 of samplecollection tank 88 is configured to engage sample notch 444 of samplebasket 441.

Tissue sample scoop 108 is fixed to and projects downwardly from base96. Tissue sample scoop 108 extends forward toward a front portion 110of sample collection tank 88 to terminate at a rim 112. Tissue samplescoop 108 has a tissue collection lumen 114 through which each tissuesample TS harvested by biopsy probe assembly 14 will pass. Tissuecollection lumen 114 begins at an opening 116 located near rim 112 andextends to collection cavity 94. Tissue sample scoop 108 has a rampedface 118 located adjacent rim 112. Also, tissue sample scoop 108 has afirst shoulder 120 and a second shoulder 122 that are positioned onopposite sides of opening 116.

A rack gear 124 is longitudinally (e.g., vertically) positioned on rearwall 100 of sample collection tank 88 to engage toggle mechanism 90.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, toggle mechanism 90 is configured to aid in themounting of sample collection tank 88 in sample tank receptacle 86, andto aid in the removal of sample collection tank 88 from sample tankreceptacle 86. Toggle mechanism 90 is mounted to housing 57 and includesa rotary gear 126 and a spring 128. Rotary gear 126 has a rotationalaxis 130, e.g., an axle, which is attached to, or formed integral with,housing 57. Spring 128 is coupled between rotary gear 126 and housing57, and is eccentrically mounted to rotary gear 126, i.e., at a locationoffset from rotational axis 130. Rotary gear 126 is located for drivingengagement with rack gear 124 of sample collection tank 88, as samplecollection tank 88 is slidably received by sample tank receptacle 86.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, toggle mechanism 90 is configured to define abreak-over point 132, e.g., at the 12:00 o'clock position in theorientation as shown. FIG. 6 shows an orientation of toggle mechanism 90when sample collection tank 88 is not installed in hollow guide 87 ofsample tank receptacle 86, where spring 128 is positioned beyond the 12o'clock position in a clockwise direction in the orientation as shown,thus defining a home position 133 for toggle mechanism 90.

FIG. 7 shows an orientation of toggle mechanism 90 when samplecollection tank 88 is installed (inserted) in hollow guide 87 of sampletank receptacle 86. As sample collection tank 88 is inserted in hollowguide 87 of sample tank receptacle 86, rack gear 124 of samplecollection tank 88 engages rotary gear 126 and rotates rotary gear 126about rotational axis 130 in the counterclockwise direction in theorientation as shown. When spring 128 is moved beyond break-over point132, e.g., the 12 o'clock position, in the counterclockwise direction assample collection tank 88 is slidably received by sample tank receptacle86, spring 128 provides a biasing force 134, e.g., a downward pressure,via rotary gear 126 to bias sample collection tank 88 downwardly towardlongitudinal axis 445. Thus, biasing force 134 exerts downward pressureon sample collection tank 88 when spring 128 is moved beyond the 12o'clock position in the counterclockwise direction, in the orientationas shown in FIG. 7, and biasing force 134 is maintained when samplecollection tank 88 is installed in sample tank receptacle 86.

Referring to FIG. 11 in conjunction with FIGS. 7-9, tank positioningmechanism 92 is configured to selectively move sample collection tank 88between a raised position 136 illustrated in FIG. 7 and a loweredposition 138 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Tank positioning mechanism 92 is drivably engaged with electromechanicalpower source 28 to selectively lower, in conjunction with togglemechanism 90, sample collection tank 88 from raised position 136 tolowered position 138 to position a portion, i.e., tissue sample scoop108, of sample collection tank 88 in sliding engagement with samplenotch 444 to facilitate collection of a tissue sample, e.g., tissuesample TS, from sample basket 441 as sample basket 441 is moved intissue sample retrieval region 74. Also, electromechanical power source28 is drivably engaged with tank positioning mechanism 92 and/orflexible toothed rack 50 to selectively raise sample collection tank 88,against the biasing force 134 exerted by toggle mechanism 90 and thebiasing force 152 exerted by tank positioning mechanism 92, from loweredposition 138 to raised position 136 to disengage sample collection tank88 from sample notch 444 of sample basket 441 prior to, and following,tissue collection from sample basket 441.

More particularly, referring to FIGS. 6-8 and 11, tank positioningmechanism 92 includes a lift member 140, a spring 142, a lever 144, alatch member 146 and a latch catch 148.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, lift member 140 is positioned alonglongitudinal axis 445. Lift member 140 has a ramp surface 150 positionedto engage ramped face 118 of sample collection tank 88. Spring 142 ispositioned between lift member 140 and housing 57 to exert biasing force152 on lift member 140 to bias ramp surface 150 in a direction away fromramped face 118 of sample collection tank 88.

As shown in FIG. 11, lever 144 extends from lift member 140 in adirection 154 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 445. Lever 144 has adistal end 156 configured to engage electromechanical power source 28,which may be in the form of a pin 158.

Electromechanical power source 28 is operable to move lift member 140along longitudinal axis 445 in direction 46 to lift sample collectiontank 88 away from longitudinal axis 445 as ramp surface 150 of liftmember 140 slides along ramped face 118 of sample collection tank 88.Likewise, electromechanical power source 28 is operable to move liftmember 140 along longitudinal axis 445 in direction 48 oppositedirection 46 to lower sample collection tank 88 toward longitudinal axis445 as ramp surface 150 of lift member 140 slides along ramped face 118of sample collection tank 88.

As shown in FIG. 11, electromechanical power source 28 includes a liftdrive 363 having an electrical motor 383 coupled to a motion transferunit 403 (shown schematically in part by a line) that generallyterminates at gears 164 and 166. Gear 166 includes a slot 168 forengaging pin 158 of lever 144. Motion transfer unit 403 provides rotarymotion to gear 164, which in turn imparts rotary motion to gear 166.Motion transfer unit 403 may include one or more of a gear, gear train,belt/pulley arrangement, etc., for effecting at least a partial rotationof gear 164. Gear 166, however, is only rotated at a partial revolution,so as to effect a linear translation of pin 158 of lever 144, and inturn a linear translation of lift member 140.

The lowering of sample collection tank 88 for tissue sample collection(retrieval) is initiated by electromechanical power source 28 whereingear 166 of lift drive 363 of electromechanical power source 28 isrotated in a direction to translate the lever 144, and in turn liftmember 140, in direction 48 to lower sample collection tank 88. Biasingforce 152 exerted on lift member 140 aids in moving ramp surface 150 indirection 48 away from ramped face 118 of sample collection tank 88. Atthis time, first shoulder 120 and second shoulder 122 of tissue samplescoop 108 are positioned for respective sliding engagement with the pairof spaced elongate edges 78, 80 of the elongate recessed region ofsample notch 444 of sample basket 441 along longitudinal axis 445.

More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 11, the translation ofthe lever 144 and in turn lift member 140 in direction 48 causes theoblique face ramped face 118 of sample collection tank 88 to slide downthe oblique ramp surface 150 of lift member 140, and tissue sample scoop108 with rim 112 are moved into the elongate recessed region of samplenotch 444 of sample basket 441 toward recessed floor 76. Referring alsoto FIGS. 9 and 10, continued transport of the sample notch 444 indirection 46 by electromechanical power source 28 will cause rim 112 oftissue sample scoop 108 to slide along recessed floor 76 and along thesides between elongate edges 78, 80 of sample notch 444, scooping up thetissue sample TS and transporting the tissue sample TS through tissuecollection lumen 114 into collection cavity 94 of sample collection tank88 along path 170. The shoulders 120, 122 of sample collection tank 88are configured to slide along the upper spaced elongate edges 78, 80 ofsample basket 441, ensuring that no tissue sample material is pushed outof sample notch 444.

The raising of sample collection tank 88 occurs near the conclusion ofthe tissue collection sequence. Near the conclusion of the tissuecollection sequence, the further movement of sample notch 444 of samplebasket 441 in direction 46 by operation of electromechanical powersource 28 and second drive 362 is transferred to lift member 140 by adriving engagement of sample basket 441 in direction 46 with a T-shapedstop 172 (see FIG. 12) attached to lift member 140, causing lift member140 to move in direction 46. The scoop rim 112 of sample collection tank88 reaches the sloping leading transition bevel 82 of sample notch 444and is pushed upwards by the interplay between ramped face 118 of samplecollection tank 88 and leading transition bevel 82 of sample notch 444,thus beginning to raise sample collection tank 88. As lift member 140 isfurther moved in direction 46 by movement of sample notch 444, the scooprim 112 leaves sample notch 444 and ramped face 118 of sample collectiontank 88 and comes to rest against ramp surface 150 of lift member 140,which closes off tissue collection lumen 114 of sample collection tank88 and prevents the tissue sample TS from falling out of tissuecollection lumen 114.

In addition, lift drive 363 is rotated to ensure that lift member 140 istranslated fully in direction 46 in the event that the force exerted bysample notch 444 is insufficient to accomplish the translation. Moreparticularly, electromechanical power source 28 rotates gear 166 of liftdrive 363 in a direction to translate the lever 144 in direction 46.Thus, electromechanical power source 28 facilitates movement of liftmember 140 along longitudinal axis 445 in first direction 46 against thebiasing force 152 exerted by spring 142 to lift sample collection tank88 as ramp surface 150 of lift member 140 slides along ramped face 118of sample collection tank 88.

At the conclusion of the transport of sample notch 444 in direction 46towards the proximal end of driver assembly 12, a leaf spring tongue 174of T-shaped stop 172 (see FIG. 12) removes residual tissue material anddebris from the second end 222 of vacuum path 22 at trailing transitionbevel 84 of sample notch 444 to ensure that a sufficient vacuum may bedrawn into sample notch 444.

Referring again to FIGS. 6-8, 11 and 13, latch member 146 is attachedto, or formed integral with, lift member 140. Latch member 146 extendsfrom lever 144 in direction 46, and has a distal hook 176. Latch member146 is located for engagement with latch catch 148 to latch lift member140 in a transport latched position, shown in FIG. 13, corresponding toraised position 136 of sample collection tank 88. Latch catch 148 may beattached to, or formed integral with, housing 57.

One purpose of latch member 146 is to maintain the proper insertionposition of lever 144 during transport of biopsy probe assembly 14 toensure proper insertion of biopsy probe assembly 14 in driver assembly12. Prior to insertion of biopsy probe assembly 14 in driver assembly12, lever 144 is held in a latched transport position, which is the onlyposition permitting pin 158 at distal end 156 of lever 144 to beinserted into slot 168 (e.g., a driver recess) of lift drive 363 (seeFIG. 11). In the latched transport position, as illustrated in FIG. 13,the lever 144 is held in position by latch member 146 that is held intension against latch catch 148 by pressure (biasing force 152) fromspring 142. Thus, insertion of biopsy probe assembly 14 in driverassembly 12 in the latched transport position results in placement ofpin 158 at distal end 156 of lever 144 in slot 168 (e.g., a driverrecess) of lift drive 363.

A second purpose of the latch member 146 is to prevent accidental reuseof the disposable probe. As part of power up, the lift drive 363 engagespin 158 at distal end 156 of lever 144 and moves lever 144 in direction46 to a fully retracted position, which in turn causes latch member 146to move out of engagement with latch catch 148. The tension of the latchmember 146 is released, causing latch member 146 to move out of theplane of latch catch 148 and preventing latch member 146 fromreestablishing contact with latch catch 148. Since spring 142 will biaslift member 140 in direction 48, the latched transport positionillustrated in FIG. 13 may not be reestablished once biopsy probeassembly 14 has been removed from driver assembly 12. Since the latchedtransport position is the only position permitting biopsy probe assembly14 to be inserted in driver assembly 12, accidental reuse of biopsyprobe assembly 14 is prevented.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the present invention provides circuitryto prolong the life of battery 34, and thus aid in preventingmalfunctions due to lack of battery power.

Referring to FIG. 14, biopsy driver assembly 12 includes an electricalassembly 700. In the present exemplary embodiment, electrical assembly700 includes, but is not limited to, the previously described componentsof controller 26, user interface 32, electrical drive 361, electricaldrive 362, and electrical drive 363. Electrical assembly 700 is coupledto, e.g., mounted within in substantial part, biopsy driver housing 24.As previously described, each of the electrical drives 361, 362, and 363is configured to drivably engage corresponding driven units 421, 422 andtank positioning mechanism 92, respectively, of biopsy probe assembly14.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a control circuit702 is coupled to, and contained in, biopsy driver housing 24 of biopsydriver assembly 12. Control circuit 702 is electrically coupled tobattery 34 and to electrical assembly 700. Control circuit 702 includesa motion detector 704, a timer circuit 706, and a battery dwell circuit708.

Control circuit 702 is configured, using digital logic and electricalpower components, to conserve battery 34 by providing electrical poweronly to motion detector 704 after a predetermined time following a lastdetected physical movement of biopsy driver assembly 12. For example, inthe present example, control circuit may be configured to turn offelectrical power to electrical assembly 700 and to timer circuit 706after a predetermined time following the last detected physical movementof biopsy driver assembly 12, while maintaining electrical power tomotion detector 704. Further, control circuit 702 is configured toprovide electrical power from battery 34 to all electrical components ofbiopsy driver assembly 12, including electrical assembly 700, when aphysical movement of biopsy driver assembly 12 is detected.

Battery dwell circuit 708 has a power input 710 electrically connectedvia power link 711 to battery 34, and has a power output 712electrically connected to controller 26, user interface 32, andelectrical assembly 700, e.g., via a power bus 714. Motion detector 704is electrically connected via electrical power link 716 to receiveelectrical power from battery dwell circuit 708. Timer circuit 706 iselectrically connected via electrical power link 718 to receiveelectrical power from battery dwell circuit 708. Each of electricalpower links 711, 716 and 718, and power bus 714 may be, for example, awired connection, such as a printed circuit or wire cabling, and mayinclude intervening components, such as switches and power electroniccomponents.

Motion detector 704 is communicatively coupled via communication link720 to timer circuit 706. Motion detector 704 is communicatively coupledvia communication link 722 to battery dwell circuit 708. Timer circuit706 is communicatively coupled via communication link 724 to batterydwell circuit 708. Each of communication links 720, 722, and 724 may be,for example, a wired link, such as a printed circuit or wire cabling.

Motion detector 704 is configured, e.g., through electronic hardware,firmware and/or software, to provide a first signal via communicationlink 722 to battery dwell circuit 708 to cause battery dwell circuit 708to enter an operative mode. In the operative mode, electrical power issupplied to electrical assembly 700 when physical movement of biopsydriver assembly 12 is detected by motion detector 704.

Also, motion detector 704 is configured to provide a second signal viacommunication link 720 to timer circuit 706. The second signal providedby motion detector 704 to timer circuit 706 indicates the occurrence ofthe last detected physical movement of biopsy driver assembly 12 thatwas detected by motion detector 704.

Timer circuit 706 is configured, e.g., through electronic hardware,firmware and/or software, to perform a timer function, and to provide athird signal via communication link 724 to battery dwell circuit 708.More particularly, when timer circuit 706 receives the second signalfrom motion detector 704, time circuit begins monitoring the time sincethe last physical movement of biopsy driver assembly 12. When apredetermined time, e.g. time threshold, is reached, timer circuit 706provides the third signal to battery dwell circuit 708. The third signalprovided by timer circuit 706 causes battery dwell circuit 708 to entera battery dwell mode. In the battery dwell mode, electrical power issupplied to motion detector 704 to the exclusion of timer circuit 706and electrical assembly 700, e.g., only to motion detection 704. Thethird signal is supplied to battery dwell circuit 708 after thepredetermined time following the last detected physical movement ofbiopsy driver assembly 12.

The length of the predetermined time measured by timer circuit 706 maybe selected, for example, as a time of sufficient length to preventconstant cycling of electrical assembly 700 ON and OFF, while beingshort enough to provide the desired power consumption reduction frombattery 34. In the present embodiment, for example, the predeterminedtime is selected to be two minutes.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, in order to avoidunnecessary powering of motion detector 704, timer circuit 706, andelectrical assembly 700 during the transport/shipping of biopsy driverassembly 12, a probe presence circuit 726 is electrically coupled intoelectrical power link 716 between battery dwell circuit 708 and motiondetector 704. Probe presence circuit 726 is configured, e.g., throughelectronic hardware, firmware and/or software, to detect a mounting ofbiopsy probe assembly 14 to biopsy driver assembly 12. Moreparticularly, probe presence circuit 726 is configured to de-activate,i.e., not power up, motion detector 704 if biopsy probe assembly 14 isnot mounted to biopsy driver assembly 12, such that neither theoperative mode nor the battery dwell mode is operational if the biopsyprobe assembly 14 is not mounted to biopsy driver assembly 12. In itssimplest form, probe presence circuit 726 may be a contact switchelectronically interposed in electrical power link 716.

However, it is contemplated that at times it may be desired to check thefunctioning of biopsy driver assembly 12 without biopsy probe assembly14 being mounted to biopsy driver assembly 12. Accordingly, as anotheraspect of the invention, a manual wakeup circuit 728 is electricallycoupled into electrical power link 716 between battery dwell circuit 708and motion detector 704, e.g., in parallel with probe presence circuit726. Manual wakeup circuit 728 is configured, e.g., through electronichardware, firmware and/or software, to bypass probe presence circuit 726to activate (e.g., power up) motion detector 704 when manual wakeupcircuit 728 is actuated by a user to cause battery dwell circuit 708 toenter the operative mode in an absence of biopsy probe assembly 14 beingmounted to biopsy driver assembly 12. In its simplest form, manualwakeup circuit 728 may be a switch electronically interposed inelectrical power link 716, in parallel with probe presence circuit 726.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process for conserving battery power inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

At act S1000, it is determined whether biopsy probe assembly 14 isinstalled on biopsy driver assembly 12, which is the function of probepresence circuit 726.

If the determination at act S1000, is NO, the process proceeds to actS1002 to determine whether the manual wakeup circuit 728 has beenactuated. If the determination at act S1002 is NO, the process returnsto act S1000. However, if the determination at act S1002 is YES, thenthe process proceeds to act S1004, wherein motion detector 704 isactivated, i.e., powered up.

Likewise, if the determination at act S1000 is YES, then the processproceeds to act S1004, wherein motion detector 704 is activated, i.e.,powered up.

At act S1006, it is determined whether physical movement of biopsydriver assembly 12 is occurring, as detected by motion detector 704. Ifthe determination is YES, then at act S1008 battery dwell circuit 708enters the operative mode, wherein electrical power is supplied toelectrical assembly 700, and the process returns to act S1000 tocontinue monitoring.

If, at act S1006, the determination is NO, then at act S1010 timercircuit 706 is actuated to monitor the time since the last physicalmovement of biopsy driver assembly 12.

At act S1012, it is determined whether the predetermined time, e.g., twominutes, since the last physical movement of biopsy driver assembly 12has expired.

If the determination at act S1012 is NO, i.e., that the predeterminedtime has not expired, then the process continues at act S1006, e.g.,while remaining in the operative mode.

If the determination at act S1012 is YES, i.e., that the predeterminedtime has expired, then at act S1014 battery dwell circuit 708 enters thebattery dwell mode wherein electrical power is supplied only to motiondetector 704, and, wherein motion monitoring continues at act S1006,while remaining in the battery dwell mode.

Thus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, biopsy driverassembly 12 may be mounted to, and operated in conjunction with, biopsyprobe assembly 14 in prolonged sessions, while keeping power consumptionto a reasonable minimum to prolong the life of battery 34 and aid inpreventing malfunctions of biopsy apparatus 10 due to lack of batterypower.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least oneembodiment, the present invention can be further modified within thespirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

1. A method for conserving battery power in a biopsy apparatus having abiopsy driver assembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly, thebiopsy driver assembly comprising a biopsy driver housing; an electricalassembly coupled to the biopsy driver housing, the electrical assemblyincluding at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engagingthe biopsy probe assembly; and a battery coupled to the biopsy driverhousing, the method comprising: providing a motion detector, a timercircuit, a probe presence circuit, and a battery dwell circuit;providing an operative mode wherein electrical power is supplied to theelectrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driverassembly is detected by the motion detector; providing a battery dwellmode wherein electrical power is supplied to the motion detector to theexclusion of the timer circuit and the electrical assembly after apredetermined time following the last detected physical movement of thebiopsy driver assembly; de-activating the motion detector if the probepresence circuit determines that the biopsy probe assembly is notmounted to the biopsy driver assembly such that neither the operativemode nor the battery dwell mode is operational; and bypassing the probepresence circuit based on a user input to activate the motion detectorand to cause the battery dwell circuit to enter the operative mode in anabsence of the biopsy probe assembly being mounted to the biopsy driverassembly. 2-18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one electrical drive is a plurality of electrical drivesconfigured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly.
 20. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the electrical assembly further includes acontroller that executes program instructions for operating the biopsydriver assembly, and a user interface.
 21. The method of claim 20,comprising cutting off electrical power to the timer circuit, the atleast one electrical drive, the controller, and the user interface aftera predetermined time following the last detected physical movement ofthe biopsy driver assembly, while maintaining electrical power to themotion detector.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of bypassingis effected by a manual wakeup circuit electrically coupled to thebattery dwell circuit and to the motion detector, the manual wakeupcircuit being configured to bypass the probe presence circuit toactivate the motion detector when the manual wakeup circuit is actuatedby the user to cause the battery dwell circuit to enter the operativemode in an absence of the biopsy probe assembly being mounted to thebiopsy driver assembly.
 23. A method for conserving battery power in abiopsy apparatus having a battery, a motion detector, a timer circuit,and a biopsy driver assembly configured to mount a biopsy probeassembly, the biopsy driver assembly comprising an electrical assemblyincluding at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engagingthe biopsy probe assembly, the method comprising: conserving the batteryby turning off electrical power both to the timer circuit and to theelectrical assembly after a predetermined time as determined by thetimer circuit following a last detected physical movement of the biopsydriver assembly; and turning on electrical power from the battery to thetimer circuit and to the electrical assembly when a physical movement ofthe biopsy driver assembly is detected.
 24. The method of claim 23,comprising: entering an operative mode wherein electrical power issupplied to the electrical assembly when the physical movement of thebiopsy driver assembly is detected; and entering a battery dwell modewherein electrical power is supplied to the motion detector to theexclusion of the timer circuit and the electrical assembly after apredetermined time following a last detected physical movement of thebiopsy driver assembly.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the biopsyapparatus includes a probe presence circuit for detecting a mounting ofthe biopsy probe assembly to the biopsy driver assembly, the methodcomprising: de-activating the biopsy driver assembly when the biopsyprobe assembly is not mounted to the biopsy driver assembly; activatingthe biopsy driver assembly when the biopsy probe assembly is mounted tothe biopsy driver assembly; and bypassing the probe presence circuitbased on a user input to activate the motion detector and to enter theoperative mode in an absence of the biopsy probe assembly being mountedto the biopsy driver assembly.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein theat least one electrical drive is a plurality of electrical drivesconfigured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly.
 27. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the electrical assembly further includes acontroller that executes program instructions for operating the biopsydriver assembly, and a user interface.
 28. The method of claim 27,comprising cutting off electrical power to the timer circuit, the atleast one electrical drive, the controller, and the user interface aftera predetermined time following the last detected physical movement ofthe biopsy driver assembly, while maintaining electrical power to themotion detector.
 29. A method for conserving battery power in a biopsyapparatus having a battery, a motion detector, a timer circuit, a probepresence circuit, and a biopsy driver assembly configured to mount abiopsy probe assembly, the biopsy driver assembly comprising anelectrical assembly including at least one electrical drive configuredfor drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly, the method comprising:providing an operative mode wherein electrical power is supplied to theelectrical assembly when the physical movement of the biopsy driverassembly is detected by the motion detector; providing a battery dwellmode wherein electrical power is supplied to the motion detector to theexclusion of the timer circuit and the electrical assembly after apredetermined time following the last detected physical movement of thebiopsy driver assembly; de-activating the motion detector if the probepresence circuit determines that the biopsy probe assembly is notmounted to the biopsy driver assembly such that neither the operativemode nor the battery dwell mode is operational; and bypassing the probepresence circuit based on a user input to activate the motion detectorand to enter the operative mode in an absence of the biopsy probeassembly being mounted to the biopsy driver assembly.
 30. The method ofclaim 29, wherein the at least one electrical drive is a plurality ofelectrical drives configured for drivably engaging the biopsy probeassembly.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the electrical assemblyfurther includes a controller that executes program instructions foroperating the biopsy driver assembly, and a user interface.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, comprising cutting off electrical power to the timercircuit, the at least one electrical drive, the controller, and the userinterface after a predetermined time following the last detectedphysical movement of the biopsy driver assembly, while maintainingelectrical power to the motion detector.
 33. The method of claim 29,wherein the act of bypassing is effected by a manual wakeup circuitelectrically coupled to a battery dwell circuit and to the motiondetector, the manual wakeup circuit being configured to bypass the probepresence circuit to activate the motion detector when the manual wakeupcircuit is actuated by a user to cause the battery dwell circuit toenter the operative mode in an absence of the biopsy probe assemblybeing mounted to the biopsy driver assembly.